MIDNIGHT MARAUDERS
When it comes to tinkering with Alfa Romeo’s for performance improvements, South Africa may be an overlooked consideration, but our track record is better than you’d think - pun intended. An impressive resume spanning multiple decades, stretching from the 1980’s to the current day, colour the history books. The most iconic offering is arguably the limited production, locally built GTV6 3.0 litre that dominated the local racing scene in the 1980’s. With these globally revered cars, the marque developed a reputation for squeezing maximum power from compact motors while competing against higher powered adversaries. In 2015, with the gracefully ageing Giulietta turning 5 years old, the local Alfa Romeo establishment announced that it was going to reinvigorate the nameplate by introducing a limited run of Giulietta Squadra Corse.
Like the fabled GTV6 3.0 litre from generations before, these were local creations with two fundamental differences to their predecessor. The Giulietta SC models were not assembled in South Africa, merely modified under factory warranty. The second consideration is that none of the officially manufactured 100 models were ever entered into competition racing. However, as their name states, most owners have proven them on local race tracks during private events, which saw them punching well above their weight. With their sporty DNA and backstory, how could you choose not to.
The recipe for creating a future cult classic was all there, but how exactly was this accomplished? As mentioned, Alfa Romeo have a knack for creating impressive numbers from small displacements in a David-versus-Goliath themed clash. The SC stays true to its original Quadrifoglio Verde genes and has retained its 1750 turbo petrol engine. The modern day wizardry that sets it apart from the rest exists in upgrades overseen by RGMotorsport in Johannesburg. An electronic remap of the engine management system bumped power up to above 210KW with the torque figure in the region of 380Nm (claimed).
The power is delivered through the 6 speed TCT gearbox which is mated to a limited slip differential, giving it the cornering potential it deserves. A growl of bass resonates from the visually larger, custom-fabricated, stainless-steel exhaust tailpieces, which both owners agree is one of the more enticing factors. It is one of many addictive sensory traits that the modifications produce - the burbles at low RPM are a winning factor that make them irresistible from the first test drive.
Visually, a more aggressive rear diffuser frames the dual-exit exhaust pipes, while increasingly flared side-skirts sit on the lower flanks of the car, and a front lip completes the anterior. Clear-coated carbon-fibre mirror covers and a spoiler plate are the finishing touches to the overall exterior aesthetic and provide a hint of something extraordinary to the trained eye. The elusive Squadra Corse cursive decals can be found adorned on the bottom of the rear door panels, distinguishing it from its QV sibling. These cars were developed as a homage for devoted Alfisti to appreciate the illustrious heritage from which they came. Both owners of the feature SC’s considered them a step up from their previous QV models, a wild yet simultaneously refined upgrade. The interior is similar to the more recent Veloce models with the seat coverings combining leather and alcantara to create a comfortable driving position. The Giulietta cursive script is embellished onto a metal-like facade on each of the front seats. Its brushed-aluminium identity plaque sits below the gear shifter and proudly demonstrates its unique number, between 1 and 100.
Seeing an SC at random is an uncommon occurrence since their production numbers were so low, however, the local Alfisti community consists of a tightly-knit fanbase who tend to be well acquainted with each other. It made for easy work finding a duo of these creations, choreographed amidst the backdrop of Sandton City. Conceitedly known as the richest square mile in Africa, the contemporary architecture of the central business district was befitting for these bespoke creations.
The pleasant Sunday evening, with its warmly refracted sunset, illuminated the adjacent buildings, while the unoccupied road network was a playground for some after-dark antics. These cars manage to encapsulate a refined cruizer with a dash of obstreperous adolescent fun in the mix - a perfect balance which means perfection to their owners. The automatic gearbox provides for lazy daily commutes, while remaining lively enough, in dynamic mode, to instill a childish grin on any driver’s face during more spirited journeys.
As with most passionate petrolheads, these cars, too, have some additional modifications in store that will see them push the envelope even further, but for now they remain a proud archetype of the lineage of Alfa Romeo in South Africa. There is no doubt that they will be remembered in the generations to come as a proudly conceived local creation, perhaps foreshadowed by the revered GTV6 3 litre, however a worthy pronouncement of what the local marque is still capable of.
Photo Gallery and Video by Ivano Mattiello and Alex Shahini of Slipstream Visuals
